A key challenge in Indonesia’s digital transformation is the persistent inequality in internet access and the vulnerability of cybersecurity despite the increasing number of mobile and internet users each year.
Therefore, the government must seriously consider improving ICT infrastructure and human resources (HR) and developing digital literacy and support platforms.
This issue was highlighted during the opening of the research dissemination event for Digital Society Week (DSW) 2024, held at the UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol UGM) Auditorium on Monday (Sep. 30).
UGM Communication Science Department lecturer Syaifa Tania emphasized creating an inclusive and humanistic digital space.
She highlighted the primary challenges faced by the government, namely persistent inequality in internet access and cybersecurity vulnerability.
As part of continuous efforts to advance a digital society, Tania mentioned that UGM offers various solutions, such as courses in digital intelligence, digital literacy, and AI policy advocacy.
“All these efforts are aimed at addressing the digital divide and improving technological literacy,” Tania explained.
Andianto Haryoko, Coordinator of the ICT Ecosystem and Utilization at the Directorate of Electricity, Telecommunications, and Informatics, Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), echoed this sentiment.
According to him, Bappenas, as the driving force behind digital transformation, emphasizes the need to improve ICT infrastructure and human resources and develop digital literacy and support platforms.
“These steps aim to create an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem for all Indonesian citizens,” Haryoko stated.
Google Indonesia’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, Agung Pamungkas, highlighted the potential of technology to address social challenges through artificial intelligence (AI).
He stressed the importance of ensuring that AI focuses on efficiency and solving real social problems.
Pamungkas agreed that the government should focus on existing regulations and empower established institutions, adopt a proportional and risk-based regulatory framework, promote an interoperable approach to AI standards and governance, and ensure aligned expectations between AI and non-AI systems.
The event titled “Navigating the Dynamics Between Digital Technologies and Digital Society in Indonesia” was organized by the Center for Digital Society (CfDS) at Fisipol UGM.
This event aimed to bridge technological innovation with socio-cultural challenges to create a more inclusive digital society.
The Vice Dean for Education and Teaching at Fisipol UGM, Dr. Fina Itriyati, was also present to deliver a speech, appreciating CfDS’s contribution, consistency, and commitment to digital transformation research.
For the past 10 years, Fisipol UGM has organized hundreds of research weeks, including Digital Society Week, managed by CfDS. Through DSW, Dr. Itriyati hopes that research results can reach the public and not remain solely within academic circles.
“This is an extraordinary initiative, and there will be much research to learn from these researchers,” Dr. Itriyati remarked.
Author: Tiefany
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif